The deli meat sector is known for its wide variety of offerings. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of deli meats on the global meat market. Some consumers prefer the taste of classical products like pepperoni or roast beef while others wish to try new flavors like mortadella with pistachios nuts or chili peppers. In recent years, one of the meat trends has been to offer vegan meat alternatives. That’s also true for deli meats as they are among the most consumed types of meat in the US. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share more about the most popular types of deli meats in the US and how businesses use them. If you’re interested in the role of meat in different businesses, check out our posts on how to start a meat business or the pros and disadvantages of cultured meat.
Key takeaway: Sliced turkey meat is the most popular type of deli meat in the US. Ham and roast beef are also common alternatives used by sandwich shops and other food service companies. There are hundreds of different varieties of sliced meats on the market, and manufacturers are constantly introducing new ones.
Most Consumed Types of Deli Meats in the US
Meat distribution companies have hundreds of deli meat options in their eCommerce catalogs. However, some products are far more popular than others. Let’s examine some of the most popular types of deli meats in the US. To make it easier for our readers, we’ve combined several popular products in one category.
- Turkey. As poultry is the most popular type of meat in the US, it’s not surprising that turkey lunch meat is the leader in the deli meat category. This lean and flavorful meat is an excellent choice for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other pre-packed meals. From oven-roasted turkey breast to honey-smoked turkey cuts, there are various options on the market. Most manufacturers and popular brands in the deli meat sector offer turkey lunch meat.
- Ham. Americans love bacon, ham, and other sliced meats from pork. Ham is made of pork leg cut that is preserved by curing. Ham can be smoked, honey-glazed, or flavored by other means. It can be sold in whole cuts or slices. The most popular preservation method for ham is salting (both dry curing and brining can be used). Some brands like SPAM also offer canned pork meat.
- Beef. Roast beef is among the favorite sliced meats of many Americans. Its rich flavor makes it an ideal choice for sandwiches, appetizers, or other dishes. There are various types of deli meats made of beef. Pastrami is another popular variety. Corned beef and beef jerky are other common products sold by retailers and suppliers of wholesale deli meats.
- Chicken. The low price of chicken and other poultry products is the main reason for its popularity in the meat industry. Chicken meat is also rich in protein and low in fat. That makes it a suitable product for sliced lunch meats. Rotisserie-seasoned chicken breast is a very common product in charcuterie boxes or boards.
- Salami. This category includes a wide range of products. One of the most popular types of deli meat in this category is pepperoni, primarily associated with pizza. Neapolitan and Calabrese salami are also common as sandwich ingredients. As customers wish to try different flavors and types, manufacturers often combine different types of salami and sell them as party trays that can be combined with different types of beer or wine. If you’re interested in importing or offering such products, check out our post on how to sell meat products online.
- Bologna. This type of deli meat has become popular in the US due to its versatility and affordability. Bologna sausage (sometimes called baloney) is similar to mortadella and is made of fine-ground pork meat that is seasoned with various herbs and spice blends.
- Prosciutto. This type of deli meat is made of uncooked and dry-cured ham. It’s a high-end deli product that is often used by sandwich shops, catering businesses, and the restaurant industry as an ingredient or an appetizer. Prosciutto is often combined with other specialty food products like cheeses and olives. Various regions in Italy have their distinct types of prosciutto. That’s why broadline suppliers and wholesale meat distributors might offer a wide range of prosciutto.
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Healthiest Types of Deli Meats
Deli meats are not considered to be the healthiest meat options on the market. However, that’s not always the case. As a growing number of people search for sustainable options like cultured meat or healthy alternatives, the market is slowly shifting towards these features.
Chicken and turkey lunch meat are among the healthiest types of deli meat available. They are low in fact and rich in protein. Furthermore, if you wish to find even healthier options, search for nitrate-free products that have minimal preservatives and added ingredients like artificial color. When buying sliced meats, consider steaming or heating them. This will kill any germs and minimize the chance of foodborne illness. A lot of people also opt to make their own deli meat. Oven-roasted chicken or turkey breast and roast beef are easy to make at home and can be used in various recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Deli Meat
From meat subscription boxes to online sales of charcuterie boards, there are various innovations in the meat and deli niche market. With the help of BlueCart, suppliers can increase their B2B sales and streamline their ordering and delivery processes. Our tools also help restaurants and other businesses find suppliers in various sectors. Our team is committed to offering valuable advice to business owners and entrepreneurs. Below we’ve answered some commonly asked questions about the different types of deli meats.
How Long Is Deli Meat Good For?
Most types of deli meats should be consumed within three to five days after they are opened. If unopened, they can last for up to two weeks. It’s important to keep in mind that different types of cold cuts have different storage requirements and shelf life. Some meats in restaurants should be stored in a refrigerator while others should be kept in a cool and dry place. Check out our post on meat inventory to find out more about proper inventory management for fresh and deli meats.
Can You Eat Deli Meat While Pregnant?
Most doctors recommend future mothers to refrain from consumption of cold cuts. That’s because these products can increase the risk of Listeria infection. During pregnancy, patients are ten times more likely to get this infection from products like unpasteurized milk, contaminated meat, raw fruits and vegetables that haven’t been properly washed, or processed meat and cheeses. Although the risk is mild, Listeria infection can be very dangerous for mothers and their babies before and after birth. Most types of deli meats can become safe when heated above 165 degrees in a stove, pan, or microwave.
Is Deli Meat Bad for You?
The majority of medical research papers conclude that most types of deli meat are not healthy. That’s because cold cuts contain nitrates and pigments. These meats are also rich in fat, and manufacturers use salt or chemical preservatives to preserve them and extend their shelf life. This means that consuming deli meat can increase the risk of cancer.
A much healthier alternative is to buy fresh meat cuts and use them as ingredients for cooking. There are also low-sodium and nitrate-free types of deli meat that are healthier. Furthermore, there are vegan meat alternatives like tofu.